Customer Reviews

The Trapper's Bible: Traps, Snares & Pathguards

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

The title to this book is somewhat misleading. It is not a trapper's bible. This book covers do-it-yourself snares, homemade box traps and path guards. However, it covers these topics better than I have ever seen before. I learned more about these topics in the 1 1/2 hours it took me to read this book than I did in 4 years of online research/fooling around, etc.
The basics of snaring are explained extremely well. The illustrations are wonderful and more than adequatly explain every point. Many of his tricks and sets of snares are so clever you wonder why you never though of them.
His box trap plans are pure genius and wonderfully explained. I havent found another source for such amazing trap plans or ideas.
Basically, this book will teach you everything you need to know about snaring. The only thing it leaves out is instructions on what to use to attract and where to set(with some exceptions). He does explain some but not much, it's generally common sense (although you can never assume things like that).
IF YOU ARE GETTING INTO SNARING OR JUST WANTING TO HAVE SOME FUN, YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK. IT WILL GIVE YOU A PROVERBIAL "CRASH COURSE" IN SNARING

FIVE OF FIVE STARS

I have read many books on survival and trapping. They all delt a little with the art of trapping to aquire food for survival, but did not give the in depth instruction and details for both large and small game as this book has. I would reccomend this book to any one that is trying to hone-up their survival skills or just wish a low cost alternative to controling pest in their garden.

An excellent source for the complete novice. Martin's work is clear, complete and even humorous. As someone who did not even know the difference between a trap or a snare, I can highly recommend this book as a first step in finding out. The illustrations are flawless. I am someone mildly concerned about the impact of Y2K and this book was a wealth of information on being able to provide meat for yourself in the event of emergencies. Happy reading!

The biggest problem I have with this book is its length; for $10-$12 you'd expect more than 63 pages. That aside, the information is good. I have a bobcat that is hunting my ducks. It is difficult to be armed at all times, hoping for a possible shot. The one time I managed to get a few shots off, conditions were less than favorable. The local CoOp sells traps, but with poultry and dogs I was reluctant to go that route. Snares were recommended as a solution. There is very little information available locally - this is more of an art that is handed down within families. This book gave me a good starting point, using materials readily available in most homes. For something a little bigger - bobcat and coyote - it took a modest investment in wire rope (steel cable - $.25/foot) and a few odds 'n ends.

The book is brief, it does not go into scent lures and it does not rely on a particular line of products or store bought materials. It even goes into box traps - live traps - referred to as "transport traps" by the author - for the purpose of catching and releasing an animal one wishes to relocate. The construction of the box traps are simple and can be made from wood and other materials available at home. If you have priced a Have-A-Heart or other box trap, this is an excellent alternative.

The basic designs and principals the author sets down are more than adequate to get the imagination going. This book was a worthwhile purchase for me and provided the information promised by the author.

Ok, so I was looking out the window and watching these rabbits hop by and got to wondering how one would go about catching one. It just seemed like something that one really ought to know, just in case...

So I ordered this book and it was exactly what I was looking for. I enjoyed the author's style and practicality. Probably won't ever use this information, but now I think I know exactly how to catch that rabbit if I needed to. Of course it might take me a few trys and that rabbit may be more warry than it looks, but at least I'd know where to start.

Now I'll have to find a good book on skinning and cooking rabbits, just in case... ;)

This book has more information on traps than any other book I have read. The instructions are clear and there are plenty of diagrams.

I agree with the review submitted by The Archer. If you are looking for traps and snares that can be set using a limber sampling then there are several types described in the book. However, some of the info seems rather impractical when hiking or in a true survival sitution. I don't see anyone in an emergency situation just happening to have firecrackers, hammers, and nails with them.

The book is a starting point. And for that I'll give it two stars.

I am a survivalist, I am a learner and a teacher. I always like to advance my know how. I have learned alot in the military and in scouting. I find this book to be well informing and wearth the price. I also put a few to work and the key they don't say much about is the adjustments. The snares work well and so on. Try a few of the fishing it works to with modifications but they work well and it is good with time too.The book was and is fun to read and put to work.

The title to this book is misleading. It is not a trapper's bible. May be a good first booklet on traps and snares but for the price I was expecting much more..

The level of information in this book is such a high level summary you will do better to just do a 5 minute google search. I don't disagree with what the author says... The lack of detail is the problem. I read the book in a few minutes and had more question than answers. For example... what is the size of the snare loop for a rabbit vs. beaver? How high should the bottom of the snare be off the trail for different animals? How do I get the animal to go through the snare. What kind of cable strength is needed for different animals and a 100 other questions. I ordered several books on the topic. The best snaring info I have read so far is on the internet for free.